Dreaming of my next home

Things around here have been on hold lately in the "decoration," "remodel," and a "fix-things" way due to an uncertainty of where we'll be in the next year or so.  My husband is on the search for a position in academia which could take us anywhere in the world. However we'd like to remain in the U.S. (to be within an easier distance to family.)  This Fall he'll hopefully land a dream job in a place where we can raise a family and be happy.  We love Durham, so it's a possibility we could stay here. Our current house, a mere 1,495 square feet is quickly closing in on us with three kids.   So I'm dreaming of what style our next house will be.

Do we go with what we find really convenient with lots of masculine style, a one story mid-century modern ranch like this:

A cute two story shingle style house with a wrap around porch:

An old two story house with lots of potential for remodeling:

A super hip modern block house with a fun punchy front door:

A modern country house with lots of open windows in a beautiful setting with lots of space between neighbors:

Or a Victorian row house in the heart of the city close to shopping and fun, but not much outdoor space for the kids:

There are so many choices when it comes to house style and we go back and forth as to what style we want. We definitely know we want enough outdoor space for the kids to play, a fair size house for our big family to spread out, and at least a two car garage to park some cars and have some space for a workshop. We would prefer a house that is a fixer upper so we can turn it into a house that's perfect for us. They always say find the worst house in the best neighborhood, so that is always on my mind.  Good schools is a definite must have on our list.  Our school-age child goes to an excellent school now, so if we end up staying in Durham, anywhere around a certain radius of the school would be okay, although high schools are a factor. 

We'll see what the year has in store for us.  Once Joe lands a great job, the real house hunt will begin I suppose. Until then, I'll keep dreaming about all these beautiful houses. 

xo

Cathleen

All images are found on Houzz.com.